Friday, July 5, 2013

listening to you

this lovely artist is:

vanessa brantley newton

vanessa brantley newton grew up in a musical family who loved to sing. sheis a self-taught illustrator, doll maker, and crafter who studied fashionillustration at FIT and children's book illustration at the school of visualarts in new york. she loves all things old and retro and it finds its wayinto her illustrations and artwork. her voice for writing is as simple and sweet as the voice she sings with. she is the author and illustrator of 'Let Freedom Sing' and 'Don't Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table' and hasillustrated numerous children's books including 'One Love' & 'Every Little Thing,' words by Bob & Cedella Marley, and 'Tallulah' written by Tori Spelling. vanessa currently makes her nest in charlotte, NC with her husband of 20 years, their daughter, and a very rambunctious cat named stripes.blog+ this lovely artist is:flora bowley

flora bowley is an internationally celebrated painter, teacher, author, and inspirationalist. her vibrant paintings can be found in numerous galleries, in public spaces, on album covers and on a variety of unique licensed products found around the world. flora combines eighteen years of professional painting experience with her background as a yoga instructor, massage therapist and lifelong joy seeker to infuse her teaching and painting style with a deep connection to body, mind, and spirit. flora’s intuitive and transformational approach to painting (and living) and has inspired thousands of people to “let go, be bold and unfold” as they step fearlessly into their creative process. flora’s book,Brave Intuitive Painting, was published by quarry books in may, 2012, and has already sold over 17,000 copies. flora spends her time painting, teaching workshops around the world, running online courses, exploring mossy forests, and living among a vibrant community of artists in portland, or. to see flora’s art and find out more about her book, online courses and workshops, please visit

Hey there Rachel, Just wanted to drop by and say how much I truly appreciate you sharing my work on your site. It's an honor. Thank you so much for being an inspiration to all of us bloggers. YOU are a blessing and It's my heart's joy to know you.

I followed the link on Vanessa's blog to yours after I saw her post. I'm so glad I did too! Your blog is as lovely as your work and the artists that you so gerously share here...looks like I'm going to be here awhile clicking on all the different blogs and will stick around to see more of yours. <3 Keep up the amazing art and writing and have a very wonderful week. <3

BOOK available now! (click on picture)

"rachel's words and art are an uncommon elixir that travels straight to the heart by way of the soul. her book is simply a spiritual must. i've dreamed about its pages and know you will too. profound, transformational, and elegant." SARK ~ author, artist, succulent wild woman PlanetSARK.com ************************************************** "i was so moved by this lovely and honest book by rachel awes. i found myself returning to its pages day after day for a daily dose of meaningful inspiration. rachel's gift for pairing her unique illustrations with touching, often profound, wisdom spoke to my most tender pieces of what it means to live bravely, love deeply, and pay attention to the beauty that exists in our everyday lives. "all i did was listen" truly inspired me to lean into my life a bit closer, and take a closer listen for all big and small ways it teaches, uplifts, and heals." Kelly Rae Roberts ~ artist. author. possibilitarian.

"no one listens, they tell me, + so i listen...+ i tell them what they have just told me, + i sit in silence, listening to them, letting them grieve. 'julian, you are wise,' they say, 'you have been gifted with understanding.' all i did was listen." *julian of norwich*